Application of selective external biliary drainage in radical resection of hilar cholangiocarcinoma

Abstract

Objective To investigate the value of selective external biliary drainage in radical re-section of hilar cholangiocarcinoma. Methods The clinical data of 118 patients with hilar cholangio-carcinoma treated in our hospital from January 2000 to January 2008 were retrospectively analyzed. Results Of these 118 patients, 25 received selective external biliary drainage and operation. Amongst the 25 patients, 12 underwent external biliary drainage of right bile duct, 10 external biliary drainage of left bile duct, 1 external biliary drainage of left lateral bile duct and 2 external biliary drainage of right posterior bile duct. One patient had abdominal cavity implantation and metastasis. Twenty-two pa-tients underwent resection of left or right liver and caudate lobe, 1 extended left liver and caudate lobe, 1 extended right liver and caudate lobe. Three patients suffered from bile leakage, 1 from pneumonia, 1 from abdominal cavity infection and 1 died of hepatic functional failure. The other 24 were followed up for 3 month to 5 years (mean: 23 months). One patient survived for more than 4 years and 4 months. Conclusion Selective external biliary drainage can not only improve as mush liver function as total external biliary drainage, but also be safe in radical resection of hilar cholangioearcinoma. Key words: Bile duct neoplasm; Obstructive jaundice; Selective external biliary drainage; Operation